Effectiveness of a mobile cognitive training application on neuropsychological outcomes in individuals with mild cognitive impairment: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) involves small but noticeable declines in cognitive abilities. This study explores the effectiveness of mobile computerized cognitive training (cCT) to improve cognitive function in individuals with MCI.METHODS. A 12-week mobile cCT program (NeuroNation MED) was tested in a single-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial. The study included 288 MCI participants, with global cognition measured using scores from five cognitive domains.RESULTS. Analysis of Covariance showed improvements in global cognition (F(1, 286) = 8.06, p = .005, partial η² = .034), attention (F(1, 286) = 7.33, p = .007, partial η² = .034) and executive functions (F(1, 286) = 8.14, p = .004, partial η² = .031) in the intervention group compared to the control group. No changes between the experimental groups were found in memory, language, or visuospatial abilities. No correlation was found between cognitive changes and training adherence.DISCUSSION. Mobile cCT can effectively improve cognitive function in individuals with MCI, supporting its therapeutic potential.German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00025133; Universal Trial Number: U1111-1277-8721. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin (reference number EA4/105/21) on June 10, 2021